Performance of Cement Mortar Containing Micro and Ultrafine Metakaolin Binders

Research into the usage of locally available construction material is essential and beneficial in ensuring a cost-effective project. One natural resources that be used as supplementary cementitious metakaolin. This research aims to investigate performance mortar reinforced with micro- ultrafine metakaolin based on compressive strength water absorption tests. Locally sourced was mixed cement after calcined at 800C variation amount 0%, 5%, 10% by wt. The tests were conducted 50mmx50mmx50mm cube specimens curing 7 28 days, following ASTM-standards. Results show containing ultrafine-metakaolin (MK-10 UM-10) exhibited highest better water-resistance characteristics when compared control mortar. In this case, addition (UM-10) reached value approximately 121% 100% higher than 7th 28th day, respectively. Additionally, UM-10 days found 86% 30% lower PCC MK-10, Furthermore, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Thermogravimetric graphs pastes indicate reduction CH; therefore, production more CSH gel. densification paste also confirmed nitrogen adsorption analysis indicating ultrafine-metakaolin's inert filler effect forming denser matrix.